Alabama Planning Board Continues Review of Stream Data Centers' $19.46 Billion Project in Genesee County

The Town of Alabama Planning Board in Genesee County, New York, is continuing its review of a site plan for Stream Data Centers' proposed $19.46 billion data center project at the Western New York Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP). A recent board meeting drew nearly 75 speakers, with the majority expressing strong opposition to the project. Opponents, including Attorney Stephen Daly of Citizen Environmental Law representing the Sierra Club, raised concerns about noise pollution, citing the town's zoning law prohibiting "noxious noise" and questioning the validity of Stream's noise modeling. Daly also argued that the 2012 incentive zoning agreement for the STAMP site does not bind the Planning Board to approve specific projects and that the agreement itself may be unlawful, urging the board to deny the application. Residents like Janice Laben of Darien Center highlighted concerns about visual impact, light pollution, water and electricity consumption, and potential harm to wetlands and the Tonawanda Seneca Nation. Mary Eisenhard of Pavilion expressed worries about the discharge of glycol from the cooling system into local water bodies, noting the village of Oakfield's wastewater facility lacks capacity for industrial process wastewater, a concern also raised by the NYS DEC. Conversely, several members and representatives of trades unions spoke in favor of the project, emphasizing the significant number of temporary construction jobs and economic activity it would generate. Greg Inglut, Business Manager for Local 41 IBW Electricians, and Chris Ausdin of Carpenters Local 276 highlighted the benefits of steady work, good wages, and local spending for their members and the community. Jomo Akono and Jeff Pasnik of the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters echoed support, with Pasnik noting Stream's efforts to address community concerns regarding noise and visibility. Stream Design Manager Colm Curran presented the project's features, including a closed-loop cooling system that does not continuously consume water, a design for noise reduction through acoustic screens, and bird-safe, dark-sky-compliant lighting, asserting compliance with STAMP's master plan and town standards. The Planning Board is set to hold its next meeting on May 18th, with the Town Board meeting scheduled for May 11th. Opponents, including land use planner Evan Lowenstein, continue to argue that the project fundamentally fails to adhere to the town's zoning code and design standards, particularly regarding its harmonious relationship with adjacent rural and natural areas.